Glasgow Announces Doors Open Day Programme for 2018

For those who wish to experience Glasgow by exploring its alternative routes and hidden heritage, Glasgow Doors Open Day Festival offers over a hundred of opportunities to do so. In 2018, visitors will be able to go behind the scenes of the city’s various music halls and theatres, climb the Greek Thomson Sixty Steps or explore the ornamental planting at Greenbank Gardens among other exciting activities.

The last five years of the festival have seen the opening of over 2,500 of Glasgow's historic and cultural sites for free. This September, Dear Green Place will be giving a glimpse into its vivid cultural life and centuries-old history through a rich programme of events and activities.

From visits to the architectural masterpieces such as the 12th century Glasgow Cathedral and the ​historic Provan Hall House to guided tours through George Square​ or the magnificent Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, visitors will have a chance to see Glasgow from many different angles.

Events Overview

Scheduled for the week of 11 September, this year’s Glasgow Doors Open Day Festival will offer a rich experience and diverse events appealing to everyone’s tastes. Being a part of celebrations since 1990s, Glasgow is once again looking to impress both its citizens and guests.

The week full of events, free tours, and family activities will offer a new perspective on the Scottish heritage, allowing everyone to experience it in the most memorable way. The music and theatre lovers will be able to explore Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, the oldest music hall in the world, the captivating Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and the well-known King's Theatre, amongst other well-known homes of culture in Glasgow.

While arts and culture will be under spotlight, the key focus will be on the unique architecture of Glasgow’s notable edifices that reflect the historic development of the town. The festival will include an exclusive tour led by an architect Graham Forsyth from Cooper Cromar, who will take visitors to the 8th floor of the architectural masterpiece on 110 Queen Street. He will also be taking a tour at George Square, where he will explain the inspiration behind the architectural work on the former General Post Office Building.

The city’s magnificent churches, cathedrals, and other religious edifices will also be open to tell their stories. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the history and culture around Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabhaand, Glasgow City Free Church or Glasgow Central Mosque.

In addition to these, a number of other historic buildings and cultural centres will be open for exploration. ​St Andrew's House, The Mitchel Library, and Small Animal Hospital will give visitors a chance to discover the histories of everyday places that reflect the city’s culture and lifestyle.

With 18,500 visitors and 79,000 visits in 2017, Glasgow Door Open Days is one of the most loved cultural festivals in the city. This year, the Glaswegians and their guests will have another chance to revisit their favourite places and discover new stories about architecture, history, and heritage.

​The full programme can be found here, while the event bookings will be open at 10a.m. on 22 August.